Should I Evict?

[Dustin Beam]

So July is the first month that I've collected rent at my new properties. I got all the rent except from one tenant. From all accounts from the previous owner, she was a model tenant. In fact, I remember being in her apartment. It was very clean and kept up, not to mention "home-y" if that makes sense. Decorated like she was there to stay. And I believe she has been there for a long time.

So, I've called a few times, left 2 messages. But I can't confirm the number is hers (it's just what was given to me by previous owners, could be a typo), nor do I know if it's a cell number or landline. Knocked on her door, but no answer. I took a chance an looked on FB and I think she's on vacation. But keep in mind, I've never met her so I can't say for sure if the person on FB is her.

Today, I intent to put the demand of rent notice on her door (assuming she doesn't answer). My question is how long would you wait to start evicting?

Considering there was a transition in ownership and she may be on vacation and the phone number I have may be a landline, should I wait another week or so? I'd hate to lose a great tenant because of some confusion and bad timing.

[Harrison Harner]

Start the eviction process as soon as you can by your state laws. You can always choose not to finish it. If she went on vacation, it's her duty to make sure her rent got to you before-hand, or on time. Especially since you are a new landlord to these tenants, start out as a hard-*** and then ease up as you see fit. It's much harder to enforce rules after you've been soft.